By 
There is something truly special about a day spent in the mountains, especially when you have good company. Last month, I headed out with my Dad for a nice little jaunt into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to visit two of Western Washington’s popular gems: Talapus and Olallie Lakes.
Hike at a Glance
- Anna’s Rating: ★★★☆☆
- Date Hiked: April 26, 2026
- Distance: ~6 – 7 miles round trip (depending on how much you explore the lakeshores)
- Elevation Gain: 1,220 feet
- Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Trailhead: Talapus Lake Trailhead
- Difficulty: Moderate
It was a quintessential spring day in Washington: crisp, clear, and perfectly sunny. If you’re looking for a hike that offers a high reward-to-effort ratio, this is definitely one to put on your list!
The hike began with a gradual incline through the forest. The trail is well-maintained, and it’s a pleasant, moderate climb, not a grueling one.
We reached Talapus Lake first, and it was breathtaking with the early morning sun through the trees. Arriving in the morning also meant the water was as smooth as glass, perfectly reflecting the surrounding trees and the blue sky above. It was so quiet and peaceful that we almost didn’t want to leave, but the promise of a second lake kept us moving.
The push toward Olallie Lake was a bit more of a workout, but still very manageable. Despite the warm sun of the last several weeks, Olallie was still mostly iced in!
We arrived early, which turned out to be the right move. There were only five other cars in the parking lot when we started. However, as we made our way back down, the secret was clearly out. We must have passed over 50 people heading up the trail! If you value solitude, I highly recommend an early start or a mid-week visit.
By the time we got back to the car, we had clocked about 7 miles round trip. It was the perfect way to soak up a beautiful sunny day in Western Washington.
Washinton Wandering 